Preparation of products of the reduction of 4-hydroxybutyric acid derivatives

Abstract

Abstract of the Disclosure: Products of the reduction of 4-hydroxybutyric acid derivatives of the formula IIa <IMAGE> IIa where one of A and B is methylene and the other is cyclopropylidene, or of C1-C4-alkyl esters (IIb) or lactones (IIc) of these acids IIa, are prepared by hydrogenating the compounds IIa or IIb or IIc catalytically using hydrogen in the presence of a heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst, giving novel compounds which can be used to prepare polymers.

We claim: 
     
       1. A process for the preparation of products (I) of he reduction of 4-hydroxybutyric acid derivatives of the formula IIa ##STR11## where one of A and B is methylene and the other is cyclopropylidene, or of C 1  -C 4  --alkyl esters (IIb) or lactones (IIc) of these acids IIa, which comprises hydrogenating the compounds IIa or IIb or IIc catalytically using hydrogen in the presence of a heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst at a temperature of from 50° to 400° C. and at a pressure of from 1 to 400 bar. 
     
     
       2. A process as defined in claim 1, wherein a compound IIc is used where A is cyclopropylidene and B is methylene. 
     
     
       3. A process as defined in claim 1, wherein a catalyst is used which contains copper and/or metals from groups 8 to 10 of the Periodic Table. 
     
     
       4. 5-Oxa [2,4 ]spiroheptane ##STR12## 
     
     
       5. 2- (1-Hydroxymethylcyclopropyl )ethanol ##STR13##